Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek landscape

Photo: Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek

~2 days · 7.4 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance7.4 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain1,522 ft
Gain / mile206 ft
High point7,628 ft

What the Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek is known for

An out-and-back from the Phelps Creek trailhead near Trinity to the Ice Lakes, alpine tarns tucked beneath Mount Maude on the east edge of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Around 7-8 miles each way, with the upper travel on steep climbers' paths and off-trail terrain out of Leroy Creek basin; camp is at the lakes.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 11,453 ft to 25,026 ft over 7.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 2.0 mi · 27%
  • Downhill 5.4 mi · 73%
  • Flat 0.0 mi · 0%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek take?

Most backpackers hike the Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 7.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek?

The Ice Lakes via Phelps Creek climbs roughly 1,522 ft total — about 206 ft per mile, topping out near 7,628 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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